Page 11 of A Duke But No Gentleman
Although she would never admit it to anyone, she could have rested her chin against her crossed arms and stared at him for hours.He was truly extraordinary.Unfortunately, the arrogant man was aware that his looks were a cut above those of most gentlemen, and the effect he had on women.
“Do you not get bored with following the rules?”
Of course she did, but she would bite holes in her tongue before she made such a confession.Especially tohim.“No.Rules are put in place to protect us and ensure order in the world.”
“It must have been your governess who filled your head with that nonsense,” he said dismissively.His hands tightened on her waist when she struggled to slip from his hold.“Life is wonderfully messy, and no amount of structure changes that fact.So what have I done to deserve you, my lady?”
“Nothing.”The roguish gleam in his eyes was a little unsettling.He was staring at her as if she was a gift and he was deciding how to unwrap her.“An accident that I have already apologized for—”
“Actually, you haven’t.”
“I—” She inhaled and silently went over their conversation.It grated that he was right, but she refused to admit that she had been dazzled by his handsome face.“You are correct, good sir.Forgive my oversight.If I may, I would like to offer you an apology.I sincerely regret meeting you.”
His eyes widened in surprise.“Oh, darling, now you are simply being cruel—and you are a liar.”
She stirred in his arms as her temper flared.“How dare you!”
“It pains me to insult a beautiful lady, but I think if we are to continue our friendship, we should be honest.”
Her gaze narrowed.“Are you drunk, or is this some sort of prank you play on unsuspecting ladies?”
His laughter was just as appealing as the rest of him.Rich with genuine humor, it warmed her even as her stomach fluttered.
“If true, that was quite a feat on my part.Lest you forget, you were the one who tackled me?”
Imogene blushed at the reminder of her carelessness.“Ooh, it is unkind of you to remind me.Let me up at once, or I shall—”
“Is this our first fight?”he inquired, his expression easing into indulgence.“And here I have yet to have a taste of you.”
“A taste?”she said blankly, before the healthy pink in her cheeks deepened into a scarlet hue.“I forbid you to kiss me!”
The charming rogue chuckled.“How can I resist such a dare?”
She felt his fingers curl around her neck.No man had ever been so bold as to touch her in this manner.Her skin tingled at his caress.He nudged her face closer to his.
Good grief, the man intended to kiss her!
“Imogene Constance,” her mother said in icy, clipped tones.“What are you doing with that gentleman?Climb off him at once.”
Her fingers curled into impotent fists.“See what you have done.That woman is mymother,” she furiously whispered into the man’s face.“Release me or we will both pay dearly for your mischief.”
Imogene half expected him to dump her onto the marble floor since he was caught in what appeared to be a compromising position by an irate mother.
Instead he pressed his face closer and whispered for her ears alone.“Are you so certain?Your mother has known you longer than I have, and it is apparent that the blame has been placed squarely on your shoulders, you naughty wench.I look forward to learning more about your adventures.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake,” Imogene exclaimed, pushing away from him.Handsome or not, she could not tolerate another minute in his presence if the scoundrel was planning to throw her to the lions.Or, in this instance, a lioness.
“Mama, I can explain.”
The duchess wasn’t tapping her foot with impatience, but her expression revealed that she was close to dragging her daughter off and sending her home in the family’s town coach.
Although he managed to hold on to her, he allowed her to pull away.He moved with her in tandem, displaying impressive strength and grace as he shifted his legs until his feet rested on the floor and she was sitting beside him on the green, upholstered, three-seat sofa.
Imogene glanced about the small alcove to ensure that her mother was the only witness to her humiliating tumble.Noting his gaze had dropped to her bodice, she gave the front of her dress an indelicate tug to conceal the flesh that had been exposed when she had collided with him.
Had he been staring down her bodice?Naturally, he had taken advantage of her vulnerable position.It was probably the reason why he had held her against his chest.“You are a terrible man,” she muttered, shaking her head in disgust that she had thought him beautiful.
The source of her ire had the audacity to wink when she glared at him.
